The Premier League is set to introduce a new rule from the start of next season that will see team captains become the only players who are allowed to speak with the referee during controversial moments in games.
Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk will be the only Reds man allowed to converse with the on-field officials during major flashpoints, with the expectation being that referees will find themselves being surrounded less often, as frequently happens as things stand.
It is understood that clubs are set to ratify the new rule during the Premier League’s annual general meeting (AGM) next month. The hope is that the Football League (EFL) will also come on board with the new protocol.
The idea is that match officials are surrounded by players less often. It is possible that players who disobey the regulations could be cautioned, with captains being encouraged to help control their teammates.
In return, referees will be encouraged to speak with captains and explain their decisions during the game, to increase the dialogue and understanding. This rule is already in place in UEFA competitions like the Champions League having been used successfully at Euro 2024 in Germany last summer.
Any player will be allowed to have a conversation with a referee during a game. However, the new ruling is expected to apply when big decisions are made in big moments.
(Image: Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP))
At that point, only the captain will be allowed to speak with the officials (or a designated outfield player if the captain is a goalkeeper). They can then relay the information back to their teammates, with referees being instructed to explain rather than justify their calls.
When UEFA implemented the rule, its managing director of refereeing, Roberto Rosetti, said: “Explaining a decision with up to 22 players mobbing you is impossible for a referee.
“It can lead to a breakdown in communication, with the beautiful game turning very ugly very quickly. Everyone agrees, this is bad for the image of football.”
Premier League referee Michael Oliver spoke about the rule ahead of Euro 2024. “It will definitely help,” he said.
“A lot of the situations you see now are players and fans wanting answers and clarification. Having that link and that dialogue with a designated person can only help provide that.”
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The International Football Association Board (IFAB) will include the rule in the guidelines ahead of the next season, meaning that any league can take it up should it wish. The Premier League is expected to, meaning that Van Dijk and his teammates will have to get used to it quickly.
Semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) has already been implemented. That was brought into the Premier League to speed up most decisions and has been in place since April after extensive trials.
Next season, in-stadium video assistant referee (VAR) announcements, which have been trialed in the Carabao Cup, will be brought in. Referees will be heard over the tannoy explaining to fans inside the stadium what decision has been made in order to make clear to those in attendance what is happening.
